Are you Real ID Compliant for U.S. Domestic Travel in 2025 (Starting May 7th)

Last Updated on April 18, 2025 by Christine Kaaloa

UPDATED April 13, 2025

In today’s travel landscape, heightened immigration enforcement and evolving travel bans make it essential for U.S. travelers to carry proper documentation. This is especially crucial for individuals whose citizenship might be questioned due to their appearance, name, or accent.

Starting May 7, 2025, TSA will be enforcing Real ID verification for U.S. domestic travel. If you don’t have one, you’re not getting past TSA! I’ll break down what a REAL ID is, what you need for domestic and international travel, and some smart backup options I always carry.

Ensuring you have the right documents in advance can prevent delays and complications during your travels.

This post contains affiliate links that help me share this information for Free at no charge to you. I never leave home without travel insurance- I like to buy insurance that covers theft and adventure but here’s a trip insurance finder tool to find a plan that matches your budget.

Read Airport Security CAN do a Phone Search: What you Need to Know on How to Handle it.

Common Types of Identification for U.S. Travel in 2025

Table of Contents: Are you Real ID Compliant for U.S. Domestic Travel in 2025 (Starting May 7th)

1 Common Types of Identification for U.S. Travel in 2025

For U.S. domestic travel, you will need a REAL-ID or Passport. If you don’t yet have a real id, I’d get one!

For International travel: Although a passport is all one needs as a U.S. citizens traveling internationally, I’d have at least three U.S. federal identification cards as re-entry into the U.S. is strict. Although U.S. citizens are automatically allowed back into the U.S. , you could get pulled out by border agents for further questioning and a phone search. Also, with the current instability of our government changing long held policies and laws, additional documentation proving your U.S. citizenship is just handy to have!

Listed below is the short and most common list. If you fall outside of it– for instance, veterans, Canadians, tribal people, etc.. – , check the TSA website as these exceptions are listed.

1. Valid U.S. Passport Book

Your passport is the primary proof of U.S. citizenship and is required for international air travel. A passport trumps all forms of identification for domestic travel.

Make sure your passport is up-to-date. Check the expiration date before your trip. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended return date, as most countries require this. Also if you are ever delayed in another country- as some travelers were during the pandemic– or detained — you have leeway time for you to get your situation worked out. When dates are expired, it leaves your status open to be compromised. If you need to renew your passport, visit the travel.state.gov website for passport renewals.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for a U.S. Passport card in the future. This is on the backburner for me as they are not accepted internationally, except for Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Carribbean.

2. Real ID (Federally-Issued Photo Identification)

Secondary forms of government identification are always useful if there is ever a question regarding citizenship. The ones which carry the most weight are: Driver’s License or State ID card.

Both are recognized forms of identification for U.S. domestic travel and is required if you want to get a U.S. passport.

What is a Real ID?

A real ID is either a driver’s license or state ID that meets federal security standards. It has a star in the top right corner of your ID. It means more identification verification was used. It has nifty anti-counterfeit security features, making them challenging to to forge. Some of the features are holograms, patterns that are visible under ultraviolet (UV) light, tactile raised text, barcode or QR code, magnetic stripe, ghost images. Here is an example

The reason Real IDs are important is that in the past, some states allow applicants to get an with less rigorous proof of identification. They made ID cards easier to get, perhaps because it was operational for state standards. If your ID does not have a star, it’s not REAL ID-compliant, and you’ll need another form of TSA-approved identification to fly.

What official documents do you need to bring for your REAL-ID?

Visit the DHS site and click on the state you reside in or check your local DMV site. You will need to bring the following documents to your city’s drivers licensing center.

All documents must be in current legal name.

This is an abbreviated list (for instance, this is Hawaii’s list but it may change by state):

One proof of identity

• Original or certified copy of your birth certificate.

A copy of your birth certificate can be ordered online. Each state has a vital records office that has birth, marriage, death certificates.Some states partner with VitalCheck.com to help facilitate the process.

• Or a valid U.S. passport.

One proof of Social Security

• Social Security Card in your current legal name. ( Lost yours like me? Visit the Social Security website to request a copy of your card mailed to you. If you don’t have an account, make one because you can also see how much your pending Social Security is! Unfortunately, the cards they issue have always been a flimsy paper card for Hawaii.)

• Or a W2 form or pay statement.

Two proofs of current physical state address

• Current valid driver license.

• Current valid vehicle registration.

• Valid vehicle insurance card.

• Utility bill (must not be more than two months old).

• Current real property tax assessment form

• Medical card issued by a health insurance agency, with applicant’s name and address

Proof of Name Change

For married women who have changed their name, it may feel like a rigorous challenge. But the first two are the easiest.

• Certified marriage certificates. *You can acquire a copy of your marriage license online from your official government website. This is where Hawaii residents can get theirs. Moving forward, this is a good investment.

• Legal name change certificate.

• Naturalization Certificate

• Civil Union Certificate (U.S. Government Issued)

Please check your state requirements as there are more documents that may qualify. These are just some of them!

Pro Tip: Start ASAP! Some of these documents can take time to secure.

3. DHS Trusted Traveler Program Cards

Enrollment in Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck can expedite security screenings. Carry your membership card. These cards help facilitate smoother passage through TSA airport security by verifying you as a ‘trusted traveler’, so you don’t need to remove shoes, open carry-ons, etc… They do not expedite you at U.S. Immigration however.

Read my post on what each does and if your credit card will re-imburse you!

4. Secondary Proof of Citizenship (optional)

This tips is primarily for those who may encounter additional questioning or targeting at U.S. immigration. Having backup forms of proof of your U.S. citizenship is helpful

• Birth Certificate, Naturalization Certificate or Permanent Resident Green Card: Carrying copies can serve as supplementary proof of U.S. citizenship, is essential when re-entering the country, especially if primary documents are lost or stolen.

Pro-Tip: Store digital copies on your phone to have on a daily basis. These days with ICE showing up at grocery stores and schools, it’s just a safety measure.

5. Visa and Entry Requirements

Before traveling abroad, I always research destination requirements. Some countries require visas before arrival, visas upon arrival or have specific entry criteria. Also, the U.S. travel ban may become official and this can change international relationships. Countries American travelers once held privilege to enter, may be changing their policies. For instance, Mexico now requires Americans to have a visa for entry and in late 2026, Americans will be required to apply for a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) when traveling European nations, as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein

Make sure you can meet all necessary conditions before you book your flight and have your necessary visa or entry documents before departure. Airlines staff will turn you away at the gate – sometimes at the check-in counter- if you do not possess a visa for countries requiring one, as they would be responsible for flying you back home when the country rejects you.

Read How to Prepare your Phone before U.S. Security Screenings

U.S. Travel Prepping Tips:

Make Digital and Paper Copies of your Identification Cards

Make backup digital copies and paper copies of your essential documents. I always keep digital copies on my phone for quick access and it’s because you never know when you’ll need it.

Store a digital copy on your phone. Digital copies have become increasingly more acceptable when I travel or ID verification at home when I do gig work. When I travel, some hotels require a passport IDs at checkin and rather than turning mine over so the receptionist can take it away to the copy machine, I found digital copies to be accepted abroad. For instance, when in Nepal, I emailed a photo copy of my passport to the front desk and they were happy as they did not have to print it out but could store it in their files during my stay.
Store your ID on the Cloud: I use iCloud and my Google Drive as an emergency backup storage.
Paper copies also help too. You never know what situation you may find yourself in as a traveler and this covers all angles. I make a couple of copies and store them in my daypack and luggage

Pro Tip: Password protect your storage spaces. If you have an iPhone, turn on your Find my iPhone location app. Not only can it help you locate your phone, but there is a feature on the website lets you lock your phone or erase its contents, if it is ever lost or stolen.

Travel insurance

Due to the fact the U.S. border and U.S. security has been super nit-picky, I highly recommend travel insurance. Why? Two scenarios are possible:

If you are passing through the U.S. on a connecting flight and you get delayed at immigration due to a search (which is more common these days as the U.S. tightens its border policies; hence, it’s best not to pick the U,S. as your transit hub if you want smooth transfers to your airlines)
Your tourist visa gets declined due to a past overstay record, you might try to get it covered under trip insurance

Pro-Tip: You can use this handy trip insurance search tool if you don’t want to use the one I use.

Stay Informed About Current Policies & Travel Bans

Before booking or taking any trip, do your due diligence to research travel bans. In the past the U.S. had Travel Ban 1.0, banning and placing restriction on 13 countries and it changed during his term. Due to Trump’s second term in office, the draft of U.S. Travel Ban 2.0 points at 41 countries, which may be changed in the future. Immigration policies can change rapidly these days.

Check official sources like travel.state.gov or tsa.gov for travel advisories and policy changes that might affect your journey.

Know Your Rights

Understanding your legal rights as a U.S. citizen can protect you during travel and re-entry. Familiarize yourself with what authorities can and cannot do during inspections. For instance, latest news have reported that green card holders returning to the U.S. were pressured at by CBP border agents to sign an I-407 document relinquishing their U.S. citizen status. Be cordial to CBP agents but do not accept bullying. You are not required to sign anything. Knowing your rights can prevent such situations.

Pro-Tip: if you are a legal U.S. citizen returning to the U.S., and are in the vulnerable group where CBP may pull you out of line, have the backup number of your lawyer.

Conclusion

Proper prepping is key to navigating the growing complexity of our U.S. relations and travel environment. By carrying the appropriate documents and staying informed, you can ensure a smoother and more secure travel experience.

My In-Flight & Layover Resources

Lounge Access: Priority Pass
Store luggage at local businesses for under $10/day.
Vacation Deals: Check out weekend trip package deals
Accommodations: Book airport layover hotels without a cancellation fee. Use this Hotel Comparison Tool to find the lowest prices! Here’s 32 Airports with Sleeping Pods
Book a hostel with Hostelworld
Internet Abroad: eSim Activate it before your trip so you can surf the internet upon arrival! Skyroam– Global wifi hotspot (take 10% off with referral code GRRRLTRAVELER).
NordVPN – Online security. Use “grrrltraveler” for 70% off 3-year plan + 1 month free
Insurance: Trip Insurance Finder Tool for budget travelers looking for trip insurance to fit specific needs. I get an adventure trip insurance that covers theft!